Workshop shows off the art of polymer clay

January 3, 2013

CALUMET - To start the new year, Copper Country Associated Artists is reaching across age groups for the First Friday in January.

A polymer clay workshop will be held at the CCAA Gallery at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Friday, and will be a fun event for children 8 and older, those yearning for the days of Play Dough or anyone just looking for a creative, artistic outlet.

"We're going to show people some techniques and how to make some different things," CCAA member Miriam Pickens said.

"We're going to give them some material and let them create."

A large part of art is just creating and playing, according to Pickens, and this workshop gives people a rare opportunity to do just that.

"It's really one of those things where adults can play ... and make whatever they want," Pickens said.

Any number of items can be created using the polymer clay - also known as Sculpey or Fimo, by their brand names. The fine-grained clay is suited well for miniature jewelry, home dcor and other play things.

"It's a really cool medium to use," Pickens said. "It's fun and anyone can make amazing beads with it."

Pickens will be leading the workshop, as this is an art form she particularly enjoys.

"I've taught a few children's workshops in it," Pickens said. "I just enjoy playing with it."

Another perk of the workshop is no outside material is required, in addition to the fact it is a clean material to work with.

"It's not something that's messy," Pickens said. "It's not like Play Dough where you need to cover (your clothing)."

The CCAA will move from polymer clay to Valentine's cards in February, then to face painting for the CopperDog 150 in March.

"It's a big kids event at the CopperDog," Pickens said. "It'll be a fundraiser again."

First Friday workshops are free and open to the public.

The gallery is at 205 Fifth St. in Calumet, and for more information, email ccartists@gmail.com.